Nov. 4, 2024
Sony Pictures Television has filed a lawsuit against CBS, alleging the distributor has breached their contract by undercutting the value of "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune," which together bring in over $100 million annually for Sony.
Sony Pictures Television has filed a lawsuit against
CBS, alleging breaches in the distribution agreements for the iconic game shows
“Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune.” The lawsuit, filed in Los
Angeles Superior Court, claims that CBS has failed to uphold its contractual
obligations to distribute these shows effectively. Sony accuses CBS of entering
unauthorized distribution deals in international markets, including Australia
and New Zealand, and pocketing millions in fees without proper revenue sharing.
Sony’s complaint highlights that CBS has been
licensing the shows at below-market rates and bundling them with less popular
CBS-owned programs, which has allegedly reduced their profitability.
Additionally, Sony claims that CBS’s recent layoffs and corporate restructuring
have further hindered its ability to meet distribution and advertising
commitments.
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages and asserts that
CBS’s actions have significantly undercut the value and profitability of “Jeopardy!”
and “Wheel of Fortune.” Sony’s legal action underscores the importance
of these long-running game shows, which have been staples of American
television for over four decades.
This legal battle could have significant implications
for the future distribution and profitability of these beloved game shows.